CEC, LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, met with the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, in Srinagar on July 14 and submitted a comprehensive memorandum highlighting pressing public welfare concerns of the people of Kargil district.

Among the key issues raised was the demand for the appointment of a Nodal Officer to assist patients from Kargil referred to hospitals such as SKIMS, GMC Jammu, and Srinagar. Dr. Akhoon stressed the difficulties faced by Kargil-based patients in accessing specialized treatment outside the district and urged the establishment of a support mechanism to streamline the referral and treatment process.

The memorandum also called for priority admission for Kargil students in paramedical institutes in J&K, given the absence of such institutions in Ladakh. Another significant demand was the provision of registrarship for doctors after their postgraduate medical education to improve healthcare services and facilitate career progression.

Concerns regarding the functioning of student hostels in Srinagar and Jammu were also flagged, particularly issues related to sewerage management, and the need for improved inter-departmental coordination. Dr. Akhoon also sought a special admission quota for Kargil students in undergraduate and postgraduate courses at universities in Jammu and Kashmir, citing the dual challenges of domicile-related limitations and financial constraints.

The CEC further raised the issue of tourist bungalows in Kargil villages under JKTDC jurisdiction that have remained unused since 2019, requesting issuance of NOCs to enable their utilization. He also urged the transfer of a land parcel under Jammu Development Authority—originally borrowed for public use—to LAHDC Kargil.

Other major points included the lack of designated parking spaces for Kargil taxi operators in Srinagar and Jammu, and a request for earmarked land in both cities for the construction of patient sarais and additional hostels to accommodate the growing number of students and medical referrals. Dr. Akhoon also proposed the allocation of graveyard land for the Kargil community in both cities, particularly crucial during winter when the Zojila Pass remains closed.

The Chief Minister gave a patient hearing and assured that the issues raised would be examined seriously and addressed with appropriate action.

Later, Dr. Akhoon also held a separate meeting with Sakina Itoo, Minister for Health and Education, J&K, where he reiterated the challenges related to healthcare and education in Kargil and sought her active support in resolving the concerns laid out in the memorandum.

This visit underscores LAHDC Kargil’s ongoing efforts to advocate for the welfare and development of its people at the highest administrative levels.